Shropshire patients urged to share dentist experiences to shape future provision
A health group in Shropshire is urging patients to tell them about dental services in the county to help shape future regulation of the industry.
Healthwatch Shropshire wants to know what people think about the NHS dental sector in Shropshire.
It says feedback will be used to build up a picture about variations in ease of access, how happy people are with the quality of their treatment and issues surrounding waiting times.
Previous feedback has led to an increase in services for more than 800 patients in two areas of Shropshire, the group said.
Jane Randall-Smith, chief officer of Healthwatch Shropshire, said: “We want to ensure that dental professionals in Shropshire better understand people’s experiences.
“People’s feedback really can make a difference.
“We have already shared earlier feedback with NHS England to highlight gaps in provision.
“This has contributed to an increase in services for over 800 patients in Shrewsbury and Market Drayton."
Healthwatch Shropshire, which describes itself as the health and social care champion for people and local communities in the county, wants to ensure feedback given by the public plays a key role in the future regulation of the dental sector.
Feedback received will be shared anonymously with those who provide, commission and regulate NHS dentistry to ensure that the system works for everyone.
It will also be shared to ensure that those at risk of missing out on services – such as those in care homes – are not forgotten about.
Commissioners have a statutory duty to listen to reports and information collated by Healthwatch and act on the information shared by the group.
Healthwatch Shropshire can also signpost patients to accurate and useful information about where to go for dental treatment and what they can expect.
To contact Healthwatch Shropshire for signposting or to share an experience about a local service phone 01743 237884, email enquiries@healthwatchshropshire.co.uk or go onlinewww.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk.
The more comments received the more influence Healthwatch Shropshire has to improve services for local people.
